The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame, Yakubu Aliyu, following allegations of unlawful levy collection, interference in land administration and involvement in the activities of mining companies within the emirate.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was announced on Saturday by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor.
According to Gidado, the government has constituted a 12-member administrative panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations against the traditional ruler. He said the suspension would remain in place until the panel concludes its assignment and submits its report.
He explained that the state government received several formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies concerning the emir’s alleged activities.
The complaints, he said, had reportedly heightened tensions within the emirate, prompting concerns over public safety, security and peaceful coexistence among residents.
“The allegations against the Emir include unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorised collection of levies, undue interference in the operations of mining companies, and other alleged acts of misconduct,” he said.
Gidado disclosed that the government had earlier invited the emir to explain his actions as part of efforts to ensure fair hearing. However, he said the explanation provided was considered unsatisfactory, leading to the decision to establish an independent investigative panel.
He stressed, however, that the allegations had not been established, assuring that the suspended traditional ruler would have the opportunity to defend himself.
He noted that “the allegations remain subject to investigation and that the Emir shall be afforded the opportunity to respond to all allegations against him in accordance with the principles of natural justice and due process”.
The panel will be chaired by Sani Mohammed, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, and will include Musa Yankari, a retired Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), alongside representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The committee has been given three weeks to complete its investigation and submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.
Explaining the rationale behind the suspension, Gidado said the measure was designed to ensure an unhindered investigation and prevent any possible compromise of the process.
“The suspension is a precautionary administrative measure intended to safeguard the integrity of the investigation, prevent possible interference with witnesses and official Emirate records, and reduce tensions within the community,” he said.
As part of the conditions attached to the suspension, the government directed Aliyu to remain within the emirate unless he obtains permission from the appropriate authorities.
He was also instructed to refrain from participating in or interfering with the administrative, traditional and other official activities of the emirate council while the investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, Bala Abubakar, a senior councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, has been appointed to oversee the day-to-day administration of the emirate in an acting capacity.
The state government said the temporary arrangement was necessary to maintain administrative stability and ensure the uninterrupted running of the emirate’s affairs pending the outcome of the investigation.
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